LOSERS & LEADERS
Drum English|4 June 2020
There’s nothing like a crisis to show us which heads of state are worthy of their positions and who should be shown the door
LAVERN DE VRIES
LOSERS & LEADERS

DONALD TRUMP (73)

The American president has been handling the crisis badly, by most accounts.

The US has more than 1,5 million confirmed coronavirus cases, with a death toll of over 90 000 – the highest in the world.

Trump was slow to enforce a lockdown and quick to push for reopening the economy.

He’s been blasted by scientists, medics and other world leaders. Even former president Barack Obama said the US government’s response has been “an absolute chaotic disaster”.

From the outset, Trump downplayed the danger of the virus, reassuring Americans “it’s something we have tremendous control over”.

He’s gone from denial to blame to sugges­ ting household disinfectant as a treatment to touting an anti­malaria drug as a cure, all against the advice of experts.

POOR PERFORMERS

JOHN MAGUFULI (60)

While most countries were going into lockdown and banning large gatherings, the Tanzanian president urged his citizens to keep going to churches and mosques.

“Corona is the devil and it cannot survive in the body of Jesus,” he said.

The president’s instruction to pray it away hasn’t worked. So far there have been 21 coronavirus-related deaths and 509 infections, with the numbers spiking.

According to Magufuli, the sharp rise of Covid-19 cases is due to faulty test kits.

JAIR BOLSONARO (65)

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM DRUM ENGLISHView all
Homegrown Heroes
Drum English

Homegrown Heroes

Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
The Big Clean Up
Drum English

The Big Clean Up

Whenever a Covid-19 case is confirmed at a shop, they call in the deep-cleaners. We find out exactly how they disinfect stores and supermarkets

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
I'm Back & Better!
Drum English

I'm Back & Better!

Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
Not An Easy Ride
Drum English

Not An Easy Ride

Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules

time-read
5 mins  |
16 July 2020
Mam' Mary Bows Out
Drum English

Mam' Mary Bows Out

Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent

time-read
6 mins  |
16 July 2020
‘They Lived For Each Other'
Drum English

‘They Lived For Each Other'

This Cape Town teen’s parents died from Covid-19 on the same day. Now she’s alone and battling the virus too

time-read
6 mins  |
9 July 2020
Stranger Than Fiction
Drum English

Stranger Than Fiction

For actor Mangaliso Ngema and his daughter Khosi Ngema, her role in Blood & Water was like watching their family’s real-life story unfold

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
I Was Raped By A Pastor
Drum English

I Was Raped By A Pastor

His accusations against a well-known man of the cloth turned an Eastern Cape man’s life into turmoil but now more victims have spoken out

time-read
5 mins  |
16 July 2020
My Fight With Life And Death
Drum English

My Fight With Life And Death

More Covid-19 patients, too few beds and staff, constant sanitising and personal fears – a Western Cape doctor shares her experience

time-read
6 mins  |
16 July 2020
I AM ENOUGH
Drum English

I AM ENOUGH

Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020